Ice Hockey: Dan dares to dream of full points from doubleheader

It also left the stylish player desperate to help the Caps break their two-game losing run at home this weekend.

Sheffield Steelers are the visitors for a key doubleheader and Welch is determined to keep theml at arms length in the race for a top-six spot.

Welch comes from Hastings, Minnesota, a scenic town on the Mississippi. In British terms, of course, Hastings is synonymous with a battle and Welch is expecting a battle royal against Sheffield.

Welch, who was once picked by the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League draft, has been a tremendous acquisition for Capitals since he arrived.

So far, he has played 24 games, scoring ten goals and assisting on 12 others. He netted a treble in Saturday's overtime win at Newcastle Vipers and has forged a profitable partnership with experienced hitman Jeff Hutchins.

Much-travelled Welch, who has previously played for Nottingham Panthers and Coventry Blaze, as well as for teams in France, Switzerland and Denmark, said: "Sunday's defeat was our last game of a four-game run. You always want to win the final game of the weekend as you have days to think about it before the next one.

"We really pulled it out at Newcastle on Saturday and we beat Coventry on the road on Wednesday. Sheffield on Thursday was a downer as we felt we could win that, while losing on Sunday was a blow.

"It was a different vibe after Sunday. We'd done well winning at Coventry and Newcastle but losing at home is not what we want to do. Saturday against Sheffield is a day to get back on track and, with Cody Rudkowsky in the nets for us, we've always got a chance."

The netminder was influential on the road trip and kept Capitals in the game on Sunday when he faced 32 shots from the eager Cardiff forwards. Welch, whose treble at Whitley Bay was his first for Capitals, added: "I've had three or four hat-tricks before playing in Great Britain.

"It was good as it helped us get two points on the road. We also played well at Sheffield and they are a good team. They are, however, better at home and we're at Murrayfield this weekend."

Capitals will again be without long-term absentees Martin Cingel (shoulder), the club's skipper, defenceman Michael Beynon (concussion) and Doug Christiansen (knee), the club's director of hockey.

Welch is, however, confident the team can cope and he said: "We know we can beat Sheffield. It's a difficult two games against a side with one of the best power plays in the league but the guys are playing well and we've lost the last two home games and don't want to drop any more."

Steelers, the reigning league champions, sit in second-bottom spot with 29 points from 35 matches. They lost 5-2 at home to bottom side Hull Stingrays on Sunday and are looking for a lift.

Steelers have won 13 of their fixtures and netted 112 goals while Capitals have won 15 games and collected 117 goals.

It's in defence that the difference is marked with Steelers having lost 121 goals while Capitals, despite Rudkowsky, have shipped 146.

GENEROUS FANS BRING PERKINS BACK TO BOLSTER CAPS DEFENCE

SEAN PERKINS was due to arrive in Edinburgh today to resume his career with Edinburgh Capitals.

The 23-year-old American was re-signed late last night thanks to funds raised by the Elite League club's fans.

Perkins was a massive hit when he played 24 games for the club last season, scoring six goals and setting up seven others.

Perkins was released by his team in the US Central Hockey League on Sunday.

Doug Christiansen, Capitals' director of hockey, said: "I was looking to bring Sean back this year but things didn't work out.

"He is an impact player and will help add numbers to our short-staffed defence.

"The generosity of our fans has brought him back to Murrayfield."